Share the Season is an annual campaign that offers one-time aid to people affected by unforeseen hardships. The people are not identified to protect their privacy.

Help came just in time for this family after the father was put on short-term disability and bills began piling up.

One bill that just had to be paid was the car insurance, so the mother could still get to her job. With assistance from Share the Season, that bill has been paid.

“That really helped a lot,” the 32-year-old mother said. “We’re still behind on other bills, but that helped.”

The father, 36, hasn’t been able to work at his job in the aircraft industry for nearly two months because of an illness.

The hospital bill is more than $30,000. Doctors still aren’t sure what is causing his health problem, his wife said.

In the meantime, the couple tries to do the best they can to provide for their two sons, ages 12 and 9.

“Times are really hard in our life,” the mother wrote in her application to Share the Season, “but we continue to pray and keep a smile on our face for our kids’ sake.”

So far, Share the Season has raised $116,300.

Send contributions to Share the Season at the Wichita Community Foundation, 301 N. Main, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202.

To donate online, go to www.sharetheseason.org. Or use your smart phone to scan the QR code with this story.

Donors will be listed in The Eagle; please note if you prefer to remain anonymous.

To apply for help, fill out an application at www.sharetheseason.org or pick one up at the Salvation Army, 350 N. Market. The application deadline is Thursday. For more information, call 316-263-2769.

Among recent donors:

Anonymous, in memory of Donna D. Ediger; anonymous, in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ; anonymous, in memory of Taylor Heersche; anonymous, in memory of Ruth Heithaus and Mike Herndon; Billy and Val Joyce Adams; John Andrews; Ted and Marcia Ayres, in honor of Dwayne and Sandy Schrag; David and Kathy Baker; William and Jeanette Bothner; Jay and Annetta Brown;